As a Pitt student you are probably well versed with all of the different nicknames and abbreviations for the university’s buildings. But have you ever wondered who the heck was William Pitt or why the library was named Hillman? Here is a list of some of the most famous campus buildings, and some information about the people behind their names.
1. William Pitt Union
The William Pitt Union (WPU or Union) was originally known as the Schenley Hotel, where several presidents had once stayed, as well as stars like Audrey Hepburn. Now the William Pitt Union is named for the man who Pittsburgh itself was named after. William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham, was an English gentleman who helped to cultivate colonial relations between Britain and America. Pitt helped bring victory over France during the French and Indian war, and Fort Duquesne was renamed as Pittsburgh in his honor.
2. David Lawrence Hall
The newly renovated David Lawrence Hall was named for a former Pittsburgh mayor and Pennsylvania governor, David L. Lawrence. Lawrence ran for mayor on the campaign to revitalize the city, and he began what is known as the Pittsburgh Renaissance. Governor Lawrence helped to create a state university system, and he carried over his hopes of cleaning the air by sponsoring such legislation.
3. Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Wesley W. Posvar Hall, where the home plate of Forbes Field still resides, was named after a former Pitt chancellor. Wesley Wentz (who knew!?) Posvar left no ordinary legacy. He was a fighter pilot for the Air Force and came to Pitt at one of the darkest time periods in its existence. The university was having a financial crisis and became a public institution in order to be bailed out by the state. Mr. Posvar envisioned Pitt becoming more global, and so he created the Center for International Studies. During Mr. Posvar’s tenure, Pitt won a national championship for football (1976), and he helped to make hires that would shape the university as we know it.
4. Hillman Library
Hillman Library is actually named for billionaire businessman, Henry Hillman. Hillman focuses on philanthropy around Pittsburgh and his family owns the Hillman Foundation, which offers grants in various subjects and locations across the United States. Hillman has been a crucial asset and investor to the city.
5. Clapp Hall
Clapp Hall is part of what is known as the CLC. It is home to most of the biological sciences classes and is named after George Hubbard Clapp. Clapp is an alumnus who was a pioneer in the aluminum industry. Clapp was also known numismatist, meaning someone who studies or collects coins, and he actually has taxa named after him!
6. Heinz Memorial Chapel
Nestled next to the Cathedral of Learning stands the Heinz Memorial Chapel. In case you didn’t know, it was donated to the university by the H.J. Heinz family. The Heinz family is known in Pittsburgh not only for their condiments and pickles, but also for their philanthropy.
7. Petersen Events Center
Whether you’re screaming your head off in the Zoo or eating at Pasta Plus (a personal favorite), I bet you did not know “the Pete” is named for alumnus John Petersen and his wife Gertrude. The couple donated the large sum needed for the basketball arena. Petersen graduated with a business administration degree and worked his way to become CEO of Erie Insurance.
It’s been proven through all these different building dedications that Pitt alumni and administration are pursuing great things and are always willing to give back. It makes me proud to soon be among them as an alumna. Hail to Pitt!